A severe outbreak of norovirus has gripped Hyderabad's Old City, with areas like Dabeerpura and Yakutpura reporting up to 100 cases daily. The surge has overwhelmed hospitals, with many patients experiencing high fever, severe gastritis, dehydration, and low blood pressure. Doctors suspect large-scale water contamination as the source. Some patients require ventilator support due to respiratory distress, while others suffer kidney failure needing dialysis. The situation is dire, with experts noting an alarming increase in cases over the past three weeks, necessitating urgent medical intervention and water quality checks.

Kerala health officials are working to control a Nipah virus outbreak following the death of a 14-year-old boy from Malappuram. A contact list of 350 people has been prepared, with 101 considered high-risk, including 68 healthcare workers. Six individuals from Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram, who had contact with the boy, have shown symptoms. Authorities are investigating the source, suspected to be fruit contaminated by bats. Precautionary measures, including mandatory masks and 21-day isolation for close contacts, are in place.

A 14-year-old boy from Malappuram, Kerala, who tested positive for the Nipah virus, died of cardiac arrest on Sunday, confirmed Health Minister Veena George. After being diagnosed at NIV-Pune, he was moved to Kozhikode Medical College, where he succumbed despite revival efforts. His cremation will follow international protocols. Currently, three individuals are isolated at Kozhikode Medical College. The Centre has deployed a joint outbreak response team to assist with case investigations and containment measures. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan expressed confidence in the state’s ability to manage the situation.

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel announced that the Chandipura virus has claimed 16 lives and resulted in 50 reported cases across the state. Among these, 14 cases were reported in Himmatpur, with seven patients currently hospitalized. The virus has also affected three individuals from other states. Symptoms, primarily seen in children, include swelling and diarrhea. However, encephalitis might also be contributing to these symptoms. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel has reviewed the situation, instructing officials to spray Malathion powder and provide intensive treatment to patients. Preventive measures are being enforced at the grassroots level by health workers.

The Union health ministry, alongside experts from AIIMS and NIMHANS, reviewed Chandipura virus and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Since June 2024, 78 AES cases have been reported, mostly in Gujarat, resulting in 28 deaths, with 5 linked to the Chandipura virus. Experts stressed the need for comprehensive studies and highlighted vector control, hygiene, and public awareness as crucial measures. Gujarat's government plans a mega drive for vector control to combat the spread of these diseases, primarily affecting children.

The Union health ministry has rejected a US-based study claiming India's Covid-19 deaths were significantly underreported. The study, published in Science Advances, estimated 1.19 million excess deaths in 2020, eight times higher than official numbers. The ministry called the findings "unacceptable" and "untenable," citing critical flaws in methodology. The study's estimates far exceeded WHO's calculations, sparking controversy. The ministry stands by its official Covid-19 death toll, dismissing the study's claims as unacceptable. A fierce debate has ensued over the accuracy of India's pandemic mortality data.

The Chandipura virus outbreak in Gujarat has claimed 15 lives, with a four-year-old girl confirmed as the first victim by the National Institute of Virology in Pune. The virus has spread to nearly a dozen districts, including Sabarkantha, Aravali, Mehsana, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Morbi, and Panchmahal. So far, 29 suspected cases have been reported, primarily affecting children. The virus causes flu-like symptoms, body aches, diarrhoea, vomiting, and acute encephalitis, and is transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. Health officials stress the importance of early detection and prevention. There is no specific antiviral treatment; care focuses on managing symptoms. Preventive measures include using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and improving sanitation to reduce sandfly breeding sites.

Gujarat has reported its first death from the Chandipura virus, a four-year-old girl from Aravalli district. She died at a civil hospital in Sabarkantha district, with tests confirming the presence of the virus. The state has seen 29 cases of Chandipura virus so far, with 14 suspected deaths under investigation. The virus causes fever and acute encephalitis, with symptoms similar to flu. Meanwhile, a patient from Rajasthan's Udaipur died at a Gujarat hospital due to suspected Chandipura virus infection. Health officials are investigating the cases and monitoring the situation to prevent further spread of the virus.

Tripura reported 1,790 new HIV/AIDS cases with a 0.92% positivity rate in 2023-24, according to the State AIDS Control Society. Despite a slight increase from the previous year's 1,847 cases and 0.89% positivity rate, officials say the government has taken steps to prevent the spread of the disease. Since 1999, the National AIDS Control Programme has been implemented in the state. Sadly, 67 people, including two students, died in 2022-23, and 44 people died in 2023-24 due to HIV/AIDS. The government aims to continue its efforts to control the spread of the disease.

New Covid variants, N FLiRT and LB.1, are spreading across the UK, causing persistent coughs and sore throats. Despite vaccination, people are still getting infected, suggesting the strains may evade immunity. Dr. Mariyam Malik, an NHS and private GP, attributes the resurgence to increased travel and crowded events, allowing the virus to spread easily. With no legal restrictions in place, health experts urge vigilance. If you're experiencing stubborn cold-like symptoms, get tested. Stay informed, take precautions, and protect yourself and others from these highly contagious variants.